I’ve always been fascinated by other writers’ spaces. Some of my writer friends have beautiful offices. Others frequent their favorite Starbucks, Panera, or local libraries to write. Some write at their kitchen tables or living rooms. Because I love to see where others create, I’ve started Writers’ Spaces Wednesdays.

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I met Edie Melson at the 2009 or 2010 My Book Therapy pizza party held during ACFW, and we’ve been friends since then. She’s also on the MBT Leadership Team, serving as My Book Therapy’s Social Media Coordinator. If you have questions about social media, she’s your go-to gal.

As the mother of a frontline infantry Marine, Edie lived this book before she wrote it. Edie understands what it is to face adversity and come out triumphant on the other side. Her years as a wife, mother, and ministry leader have given her a unique perspective to reach out to others facing the same struggles. She’s the Military Family Blogger for Guideposts.org, social media director for several writing websites, and a popular ministry and conference speaker. Connect with her on her blog, The Write Conversation, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Edie, thanks for being here today. Tell us about your writing space.

My favorite writing space is my back porch. It’s screened in from floor to ceiling. Since it’s in the middle of our wooded lot it feels like I’m writing in the woods.

Your back porch looks like something from a gardening magazine. What makes it special for you?

I love feeling like I’m writing in a wilderness glade. The birds flit from tree to tree, calling to each other, while the squirrels play chase through the oak branches. Beyond that, I’m always joined by my cat, Emily Dickinson, and my dog, Jake.

Ahh, tranquility at its finest! What is one element of your space that makes you smile?

The peace that I feel out in the midst of nature. I’ve successfully conquered many a wrestling match with writer’s block on that porch.

I can see why. 🙂 What are your “must-haves” when you sit down to write?

My cat and dog, a mug of chamomile tea, and my Macbook Air.

I’m surprised you can get work done with such an amazing view. Share a typical writing day.

When I get up I have my quiet time, then begin wading through email and scheduling my social media for the day. About 9am I move to the back porch—that’s my reward for finishing the business part of being a writer—and begin to create. I guard my creative writing time, usually my best creative time is from 9am until noon.

I break for lunch with my husband—he also works his engineering company from an office at home—then it’s back to writing. If I’m on deadline, I’ll force more creative time in the afternoon. Otherwise, I’ll write blog posts, work on editing, or marketing.

I try to be finished by supper, although I may put in an extra hour or two after dinner, if necessary.

Sounds like a productive day! If you could choose the ultimate writing space, where would it be?

Truthfully, I think I have it.

I think you do, too. 🙂 Tell us a little about your latest release.

Thousands of families send loved ones off to fight on a daily basis. These families spend a lot of time living in a world out of control. This kind of stress can take an incredible toll, but there is hope. When we feel helpless, we can take our fears to the One who loves us more than anything and holds the universe in His hands. In this book you’ll find the words to usher you into His presence. These prayers are a place to visit again and again as you take your own fears to God. They’re just a starting point, written to help you find your own voice as you call out on behalf of the one you love.

You can do more than wait. You can pray. There is nothing stronger than the power of prayer. While Your soldier is serving their country, you want to pray for them, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. These rich, powerful prayers for protection, peace, strength, wisdom and faith are written from the heart. It is perfect for the spouse, parent, friend or even prayer group who is praying for one special soldier or for all who may be in harm’s way.

Edie, thanks so much for sharing your small slice of paradise with us. Readers, do you have friends or relatives who are serving currently in the armed forces? Tell us how we can pray for them.

3 Comments

Great writing space. I can relate and for all the right reasons. Today I’m writing in my farm house in rural setting everything nicely cool and green during a thunder storm. Also a nice place spend my writing (and housecleaning) time.